by Craig

Well, here it finally was. It had seemed like an eternity since I last saw U2 in a venue as small as a hockey rink; in fact, I was so far away from the band at the L.A. Coliseum stop for the Popmart tour that they might as well have been playing on the moon. I've seen the band several times, some of the shows being unbelievably great, but I must admit that I was quite anxious to see the latest incarnation of the band in a decent setting. And now, after seeing the show and giving it a day or so to let it all sink in, guess what? The wait, as they say, was worth it.

Forget what any clever critic may have to spin about the band trying too hard to satisfy its fans instead of attempting another creative leap forward. We all go to these shows because we love the songs, which, for all of us at some point over the last decade and a half, have connected with us more than nearly any other group's work ever could. And no fan of U2 will walk away from this show with anything less than a tremendous feeling of gratitude for their sharing those fabulous songs with us for an entire evening. The only thing left to question is how moved you'll feel, because the show connects in every way that matters, physically, intellectually and, of course, emtoionally. It's nothing less than a triumph for the band.

The band has released enough tracks at this point that any real fan can't help but wish that they'd played just a few more songs from their catalog. But that is mere quibbling. Mixing new material with the classics, the band sounds great, and the seemingly "basic" stage set up is pure genius, enbabling the band to connect up close with the fans. Early on in the show an exciting I Will Follow, followed by a powerful version of Sunday Bloody Sunday, had the crowd in such a state that it felt like the Pond was going to come unhinged from its moors; get ready for lift off. The more quiet, middle portion of the show included a moving take on Stay, and from the point the band unleashed Bad, it was just one fabulous song after another, from Streets to Mysterious Ways, to the Fly, which begat Bullet the blue sky, to With or Without You, Pride, One, and on and on, each song building on the last with a power that was undeniable. And it was great to see the show end on a new classic, as Walk On provided one last emotionally joyous jolt to an ecstatic, appreciative crowd.

A fun, exciting, moving, and exhausting time to be had by all; don't miss this show. And definately of note: it's true, get to the arena early; we did, and we met all 4 members of the group. For my wife and I it was the proverbial dream come true, and it made the show that followed even more memorable. Congratulations boys. And one more thing, being the old school fan that I am: guys, if you read this, could you please play Homecoming Thursday night?

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